Week 58 (25.5.08)

Learn (from website www.creatingminds.org/principles/div_conv.htm)

In creative work, there are two modes of thinking that we use that are very different but are both very useful for different parts of the process.

Divergence

Divergence is the process of thinking broadly, of expanding one's mind, of going places where one does not normally go. It is very important in creativity as the process whereby ideas are generated.

Convergence

When you have created a big pile of ideas, the creative activity does not stop there. The next stage, which can be very difficult, seeks to thin down the idea set into a very small set of ideas (maybe one) that will be taken forward for further development.

Judgement and Selection

This approach requires skills of selection, evaluation and judgement to whittle down the list to the most useful ideas.
It is important to keep a balance, and the divergent thinkers have an important task to challenge the ejection of any ideas that may have serioud potential.

Unlearn

I have learnt before the brainstorming process in a group, which is very similar to divergence. However, convergence technique is a new learning which i realized it can be group into criterias selection to solve problems and be creative in providing solutions.

Relearn

From the above learning on divergence and convergence thinking, I had guided my team in one of the brainstorming session on how to improve the current E-card process flow. We achieved a few new creative ideas to provide solutions to our customers.

Week 57 (18.5.08)

Learn - AMA module (Pg 46)

There are 6 important alignment of people is about....

1. Customer Proposition - Why should customer buy from us?
2. Culture - What are our values, and how do we do things around here?
3. Strategy Commitment - What does the strategy mean for me and my job? What am I committing to?
4. Leadership behaviour - How do my leaders enable and support me to do the job they expect from me?
5. Performance metrics - How will I be measured and how will I be rewarded?
6. Processes and Structure - What tools and procedures are in place to help me do the job that is expected?

Unlearn

NIL

Relearn

As NSM for Private Hospital, all of the six important attributes listed above, is crucial for me to remember, implement and support any new projects in Pfizer. For example, as leader, I should communicate the strategy clearly and frequently, with clear call to action and a clear connection to everyone's job. Mobilizing the right skills to implement the strategy - building, developing and motivating people, dealing effectively with poor performers. Leaders and employees' attitudes, values and beliefs matching Pfizer's core strategies and driving the behaviors.

Week 56 (11.5.08)

Learn - Defining Innovation

Innovation is the act of introducing something new or starting something for the first time

The term "innovation" should be reserved for an initiative that can produce a viable new business concept

Successful innovations must

• Generate enough free cash flow to justify themselves
• Meet internal hurdles and performance targets
• Occur fast enough to stay ahead of competition
• Occur often enough to develop a corporate capability around it

Innovation requires a strategy and a disciplined process for implementation!

Innovation = (Idea/concept/invention) x Implementation x Success

Unlearn

From previous own understanding of innovation is only about introducing something new in the marketplace. However, from new learning, it is also about produce new business concept with strategy for implementation and success!

Relearn

With the introduction of Pfizer Value Card to the hospital, it is actually a new business concept for loyalty patients whom are currently on Pfizer's products. However, in my opinion, in order to sustain the business and values provided to customers, we ought to continue to innovate using new technology in order stay ahead of the competition. Also, Pfizer needs to find the uncontested market space to grow our business. How we can achieved this is by analyzing the aging population in Malaysia and offers a wide range of Pfizer's products by providing additional counseling program to the senior citizens.